Brighton travel to Wearside on Saturday as the favourites to beat an injury-hit Sunderland side in the Premier League.
The international break possibly came at the wrong time for Fabian Hurzeler’s men, who sit third in the Premier League table with 10 points from their opening five matches, capped by a commanding home victory over champions Arsenal.
However, the Seagulls squad could be bolstered by the return of several key first-team players just as the Black Cats deal with fresh injury issues of their own.
Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, who recently hit a hat-trick in the 5-3 defeat at Manchester City, suffered a hamstring issue while away with the Netherlands, while defender Dan Ballard also picked up a setback that could keep him sidelined.
Those absences would remove both a proven goal threat and a key leader from Regis Le Bris's defensive unit ahead of a demanding test against one of the top-flight’s most attack-minded teams.
Brighton have scored a league-high 16 goals already this term and will be keen to maintain the standards they set when beating Manchester United 3-2 and the Gunners 3-0 in the space of a few days last month.
Sunderland v Brighton Tips Summary
Best Bet - Brighton to win @ 13/10
Alternative Bet - Both Teams to Score - No @ 6/5
Bet Builder - Pascal Gross to score or assist, Thomas Meunier 1+ shots & Olivier Boscagli 1+ shot on target from outside the box @ 23/1
Sunderland v Brighton Prediction
Best Bet: Brighton to win @ 13/10
Brighton look overpriced to leave the Stadium of Light with all three points based on the evidence from the opening weeks of the campaign.
Hurzeler's outfit have made an outstanding start, scoring 16 goals in five Premier League matches and producing arguably their most impressive display of recent memory against the Gunners.
The Seagulls have combined attacking flair with a brave but relentless pressing game and they should relish facing a Sunderland side that could be missing two important players.
The potential loss of Ballard would leave a significant hole at the heart of the hosts’ defence, while Brobbey's likely absence removes a forward who has already demonstrated his ability to hurt high-class opponents.
Brighton also appear to be getting healthier at the right time with captain Lewis Dunk back in training, while summer signing Femi Azeez looks set to be available after overcoming a muscular issue.
Sunderland deserve respect at home, where they have won three and lost only once this season.
But Brighton enter this contest as the sharper, more settled side and their superior attacking quality can make the difference.
Alternative Bet: Both Teams to Score - No @ 6/5
While Brighton matches have often delivered goals this season, there is a strong case for Sunderland failing to find the net on Saturday.
The potential loss of Brobbey is a major concern for the hosts given his recent form, and Le Bris may have to reshuffle his attacking options against a Brighton defence that is gradually regaining key personnel.
Dunk's return would provide a huge boost to the visitors, while Brighton's ability to dominate possession should limit Sunderland's opportunities to create clear chances.
Both teams have not scored in all four of Sunderland’s home games this term and the net has failed to bulge at both ends in five of Brighton’s eight matches in all competitions.
Sunderland v Brighton Bet Builder Tip
Pascal Gross to score or assist
Thomas Meunier 1+ shots
Olivier Boscagli 1+ shot on target from outside the box
Pays 23/1
Pascal Gross’ importance to this Brighton team cannot be overstated, and he should continue his excellent form by making an impact at the top end of the pitch again.
Since arriving for his first spell at Brighton nine years ago, only Bruno Fernandes, Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah have created more chances in the Premier League while only Chelsea’s Joao Pedro can match his six direct goal contributions this season.
Meanwhile, Thomas Meunier has become a reliable shooting outlet for Sunderland despite playing from a deeper role. The experienced full-back has registered at least one effort in each of his first five league appearances and continues to get forward whenever opportunities arise.
Brighton’s Olivier Boscagli also appeals in the shots markets. The defender is comfortable stepping into space in possession and is not afraid to try his luck from distance.
He hit the target from his own half at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup last month and only just cleared the bar with another effort from 35 yards, while he has found the target with one of his three Premier League efforts from outside the box this season.
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Key Match Stats
Brighton have scored 16 league goals in their opening five fixtures
The Seagulls have won three of their last four competitive matches against Sunderland
Both teams have not scored in all four of Sunderland’s home games this term
Pascal Gross has registered three goals and three assists in the Premier League this season
Only Bruno Fernandes, Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah have created more Premier League chances than Gross since his arrival in England
Olivier Boscagli has attempted three shots from outside the box in the Premier League and two in the EFL Cup
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
